Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno praised the Naval Command–Western Mindanao (NCWM) for its sustained vigilance and operational excellence following a series of maritime enforcement operations that intercepted approximately ₱193 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes, delivering a significant blow to illicit trade activities in the region.
On August 14, 2026, personnel of Naval Task Force 61 intercepted a vessel off Buton Mahablo in Parang, Sulu, carrying approximately ₱170.14 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes. Five crew members and 19 laborers were apprehended, while the vessel and its cargo were subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Port of Zamboanga for appropriate legal action.
The operation followed an earlier interdiction conducted by the NCWM on July 29 off Simisa Island, Sulu, which resulted in the seizure of approximately ₱23 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes. Together, the two operations brought the estimated value of cigarettes intercepted by the NCWM in less than a month to approximately ₱193 million.
“Malaking bagay ang kontribusyon ng Naval Command–Western Mindanao sa ating kampanya laban sa smuggling. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa kanilang agarang aksyon upang mapigilan ang pagpasok ng mga iligal na produkto na sumisira sa lehitimong kalakalan at seguridad ng ating mga komunidad,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The Customs Chief recognized the NCWM and its personnel for their effective enforcement efforts and emphasized the importance of sustained inter-agency coordination in strengthening border protection and combating illicit trade.
“Ang pagkakasamsam ng tinatayang ₱193 milyon halaga ng mga puslit na sigarilyo ay patunay ng epektibong pagpapatupad ng batas at matibay na koordinasyon ng ating mga ahensya. Patuloy tayong magtutulungan upang maprotektahan ang ating borders, lehitimong negosyo, at kita ng pamahalaan,” he said.
The BOC remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the Naval Command–Western Mindanao through sustained coordination and joint enforcement efforts aimed at combating smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.
